Does it really matter if I take the time to put my dishes in the
dishwasher rather than leaving them on the table? Does it really matter if I pack the kids
lunches for school? Does it really
matter if I start my mate’s car on a cold frosty morning? Does it really matter if I say “I love you”
an extra time or two each day? Does it
really matter if we pray together every single day? Does it really matter if I’m the one who
feeds the pets? Does it really matter if I help my spouse fold the laundry? Does
it really matter if I call my spouse, just to see what kind of day he/she is
having? Does it really
The list could go on—dozens of little things we can do for our mates
every single day. Sometimes, it’s the
same things each day, and sometimes it’s little things that only occur
periodically. But do the little things
matter? Well, the answer is both no, and
yes. No, it doesn’t matter who takes out
the trash, so long as the task gets done.
But yes, it does matter, because the little things are often how we
demonstrate our love for our mates in a consistent, daily way. It is a way of saying, “I want to do whatever
little things I can to bless you and make your day easier.” It is saying, “I love you, not just in words,
but also in actions.” It is recognizing, “We are one flesh, and what blesses and benefits you, blesses and benefits
me.”
In doing the little things, we need to be careful of two things. First, be careful that you don’t take your
mate for granted, and the turn the little blessings into overbearing demands. Certainly there are expectations in any
relationship about who will fill what roles and do which tasks, but don’t let daily
kindnesses turn into unrealistic or uncommunicated expectations that create a
rift. Second, while it is nice to show
your mate appreciation for what he/she does, don’t do your acts of kindness for
your mate for the sake of stroking your own ego or getting something in return. If it is selfishly motivated or manipulative,
it is no longer an act of kindness for the good the marriage.
Do the little things matter? They
matter more than most of us ever realize, even if the significance isn’t always
vocalized. Figure out a few definitive
ways you can bless your mate this week by attending to those little things that
really do matter. And as you serve your
love, be sure to thank him/her for all those “insignificant” things he/she does
for you that really are significant.
_____________________
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This blog is very helpful to those people who are taking things as a granted. So please updating like this always. :)
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